Pay It No Mind

For this term our theme was "Modern Madonna" and I wanted to choose a woman who history tried to erase, someone who didn’t get the recognition that they deserved despite the work that she contributed to our society. After careful consideration, I chose to paint Marsha "Pay it no mind" Johnson, the Saint of Christopher Street. She was a pioneering trans activist, crowned in flowers and confidence, and is crediting in throwing the first brick at the Stonewall Riot, the event that led to the gay liberation movement. She is an icon because of the way she was authentically and unapologetically herself        despite who she truly was, which was illegal and she was murdered for that exact reason. This painting isn’t just in honour of Marsha, it’s a tribute to the thousands of gay, trans and queer people who are murdered every year for the crime of loving and living freely. More people should know her name, which is why I painted her. Look at her and feel her joy, feel her "Pay It No Mind" attitude radiating from her and take it in your step.